#NationalApprenticeshipWeek2019

As part of #NationalApprenticeshipWeek2019, we caught up with our ‘2018 Apprentice of the Year’ James Masterson to ask him some questions about his Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship experience so far!

Tell me a little about yourself?

I am 18 years old and started with WGM around 2 years ago to begin my Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship. I am halfway through my apprenticeship and I really enjoy it. I do 1 day a week at college and spend the other 4 days in the workshop. I really enjoy it as it means I can learn and work at the same time as making some money too.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship in this discipline?

I got interested in the trade when I used to work weekends in a Timber yard. I also started helping out in my Grandas carwash company from the age of 14 then started helping out with the maintenance of the machinery so I found that I really enjoyed using the tools and being able to fix something myself. I am very interested in going as far as I can with my qualifications and learning all areas of the Mechanical Engineering trade.

What has your apprenticeship allowed you to learn so far?

I mostly work on pumps gaining knowledge of the bearings and seals and doing some testing too. I have learned a lot on the sizes of clearance required and feel I have definitely grown as a person whilst here. I have learned a lot and get on with everyone in the workshop, there is a lot of banter between us all and that helps.

What aspect of your Apprenticeship do you find the most challenging?

Sometimes working on a project which I am given to fix myself can be quite challenging. My team leader is brilliant as he challenges me by allocating me with tricky jobs. When I do manage to fix them it is a great feeling.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I want to gain as many qualifications as I can as I really want to develop my skills and aim to complete my HND. I would like to be in a more supervisory role by then so I can help others like I have been supported. I enjoy electrical testing too so would like to gain more knowledge and experience on that. There is still a lot for me to learn on motor/pump testing too so I am looking forward to that.

What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship in the discipline at WGM Engineering?

Definitely go for it. I really enjoy working at WGM and I know a lot of the other apprentices feel the same. There is a great mix of study and work and I feel I am really learning skills that I wouldn’t get to learn if I was purely at college. Being able to work and learn is a really good opportunity and I have lots of support there when I need it.

WGM Engineering is proud to provide excellent Apprenticeships in Scotland, allowing our youth to help Learn and develop. Learn more about our Modern Apprenticeships as they become available on our careers section!

Read more on other Modern Apprentice Students: https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/apprenticeships/modern-apprenticeships/